Our houses become filled with our own “stuff.” Garages, attics, basements, and closets transform into cluttered warehouses. When we need something, whether it’s a chainsaw or a roasting rack, our first thought is to go out and buy it. But why get it new when our neighbor down the street has one we can borrow?

Guide to Sharing

Center for a New American Dream presents a community guide all about sharing: everything from starting a tool library to organizing a solar cooperative, from holding a clothing swap to launching a time bank.

The Guide to Sharing is part of the New Dream Community Action Kit: a series of free online guides to help people organize collective action and civic engagement to build more sustainable, healthier, and happier communities. Topics for future guides include strengthening local economies, DIY & reskilling, greening your community, fighting commercialism, and growing local food systems.

With how-to tips, fun videos, and useful resources, the Guide to Sharing provides the inspiration and practical tools you need to get started on these projects in your community – right away!

The guide is produced in collaboration with Shareable.net and explores four Action Ideas: